This past weekend I was invited to a fundraiser dinner for Haiti relief. During the past month I’ve talked with quite a few community organizations, schools, and the media about the Red Cross operations in Haiti. What made this event unique was its overarching theme- inter-faith dialogue.

What would the Red Cross have to contribute to inter-faith dialogue? As a non-religious, non-political organization, it would seem that such a topic would be avoided. In fact, reaching across culture and faiths has a lot to do with the work we do internationally; starting with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as the Red Shield in Israel. Even locally, many of our partnerships are faith based. The fact is religion is a prominent aspect of all our lives, despite the faith we practice and even for those without a religious affiliation. Consider as well the work that we all do on a day to day basis- our founding principles call us to respect the dignity and humanity of all people. These are principles that find resonance with the central tenants of all religions.

The fundraising dinner I attended was hosted by a small Mosque located in North Saint Louis County. It was sponsored by a Washington DC based organization called “Muslim Information Center”- a national network that seeks to facilitate not only support among Muslim communities, but support and collaboration among religious communities of all types. This is right up my alley on personal level to begin with, but it was a real treat to be able to engage in an activity of this sort as a proud representative of the American Red Cross.

I found my hosts to be incredibly gracious and appreciative. I heard and watched the attendees as they did their evening prayers. These were conducted all in Arabic and so of course I could not understand the words, but the spirit was un-mistakable. It was a spirit of giving honor and thanks. Again, a sentiment that crosses religious boundaries, especially when we consider how much we have to be thankful for after seeing the suffering incurred by so many people in Haiti.

There is so much that we see every day about the things in this world that divide us. We can all take pride in knowing that what we do as Red Cross volunteers and staff, and indeed the support we get from our community, is part of a long tradition tending toward the light even in the face of darkness.    

Michael

Michael Braeuninger is the International Services Supervisor for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.